Matt Crehan’s clarion call for this to be Sutton’s year on cross country was emphatically answered when fifteen athletes competed at Arrowe Park in Birkenhead. Matt led the way opening a big lead until he was slowed down by a bad stitch but continued to finish tenth. “Dropping out wasn’t an option” he said after the race. Tom Griffiths ran steadily for ninth and Steve Anders came home twelfth to lay the foundations for the place in the top three Matt had demanded. Peter Fairclough (17), John Greenall (29) and Ian Hayburn (31) completed the count which gave the club a four point advantage over Wirral for second place with Wallasey A C a further five points adrift.
Ian Costello (41st) led the second team with Rachael Fairclough (49th) second counter winning the women’s contest. Dave Twigg made a steady return to competition in 58th place, Barry Graney (64th), Andy O’Connor (105th) pushed all the way by Rachael Beesley (112th) and Amy Corfield (116th) who were ninth and tenth ladies respectively on their debuts in the League. The Liverpool and District President Ray Vose completed the course in 149th place at a venue where he won a team medal in the West Lancs Championships as a youngster. Rachael McGoldrick bravely attempted to do the same despite recent illness but was forced to stop after the first of the three laps.
With Greg Williams, Louise Hogg, Julia Eccleston, Jamie White, Gemma Connolly and Louise Hayes unavailable on this occasion there’s great optimism and encouragement for the coming season and the county championships in January.
Results: – http://www.lps-athletics.co.
Phil Thomas – Team Manager.